'Swamp People' cast members arrested in Houma

Sat, 2013-09-07 12:10

HOUMA, La. (AP) — Two members of the hit reality television show "Swamp People" were arrested Friday for allegedly attacking a man with a beer bottle last month.

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office, in a news release, said Roland "R.J." Molinere Jr., 51, and his son, Roland "Jay Paul" Molinere III, 25, both of Bourg, are accused of attacking a 24-year-old man Aug. 8 at a convenience store, hitting him repeatedly with the beverage.

The victim suffered a black eye, a swollen jaw and a welt on his forehead, the sheriff's office said. The victim said he later went to a doctor but was told he did not have any broken bones, according to the sheriff's statement.

"There was an altercation here, but that's about as far as I will go," said Roland Henry, owner of Roland's Mini Mart.

The sheriff's office said the incident allegedly followed a verbal altercation that initially occurred on the Bourg-Larose Highway and the Molineres followed the victim to the store.

Both suspects surrendered Friday and were booked on aggravated battery charges. Each was released after each posted $1,000 bond. It's unclear if either had an attorney.

Barry Rosenberg, a spokesman for A&E Networks, declined comment on the arrests. The Molineres are recurring cast members on the show, which is currently taping its fifth season. They "will be in the new season," he said.

The Courier (http://bit.ly/1adlwpi ) reports a woman who answered the younger Molinere's phone number said he was unavailable and had no comment. A telephone call to the elder Molinere rang unanswered.